7 best places to visit in CROATIA

Curious about the best places to visit in the Croatia? Croatia is a country on the Adriatic Sea, situated at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe.

It is famed as a sea and sun destination and is best known for its beaches. The coastline of Croatia is nearly 600 km long, not including the coastline of the Croatian islands. And the country is dotted with hundreds of islands.

Because of the stunning beaches, numerous islands, and historic towns and landmarks, Croatia is a very popular holiday destination for Europeans.

Recently the country has become even more popular because the popular series “Game of Thrones” was filmed in various places in the country.

But what to do in Croatia?

To help you prepare for your trip to Croatia, we have created this list of some of the best places to visit in Croatia. 

7 best places to visit in Croatia

1. Dubrovnik

best places to visit in CROATIA

Dubrovnik is a city situated on the coast of southern Croatia.

It’s an important seaport, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best places to visit in Croatia.

The captivating walled city of Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful places in Croatia. The walls of Dubrovnik date back to the 10th century, but they’ve been modified over the years. They are a symbol of Dubrovnik. Majority of historic buildings of the old town inside the wall date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

Dubrovnik Cable Car offers stunning views of the walled city and the old town.

The popular series “Game of Thrones” was filmed in various locations around the city.

2. Plitvice Lakes National Park

visit croatia

Plitvice Lakes National Park is known for its beautiful cascades and dramatic lake landscape.

Set in the heart of Croatia, the park consists of 16 lakes surrounded by woods. The lakes are not large, but the landscape is spectacular nevertheless.

Due to its geological and ecological values, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

The flora and fauna are very rich there. A park is a great place for bird lovers, as the birdlife in the park is extremely varied.

Visitors can easily explore the park thanks to numerous footbridges and paths. Shuttle buses are available, too.

3. Split

split croatia

Split is a town on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and one of the key public ports of the country.

Split is known for its beaches and the Roman remains which are situated at the heart of the city. The medieval Brace Radic Square and Baroque buildings are the evidence of Split’s rich history.

Crammed with bars and cafes, Split has a fantastic vibe that attracts tourists.

Split is the gateway to the Dalmatian islands. From Split, you can easily reach the islands of Brac, Hvar, Korcula, Vis, Trogir, and Omis. 

4. Pula

the best places to visit in croatia

Pula is best known for its Roman ruins.

The most famous historical building is the Pula Arena – an ancient amphitheater located in the heart of the city. It was constructed in 27 BC – 68 AD and is one of the largest surviving Roman arenas.

Another iconic building in Pula is the Arch of the Sergians. Just like the Roman arena, the arch was built in the 1st century BC. Originally a city gate was erected as a symbol of the victory in the Battle of Actium. 

Also, do not miss the Temple of Augustus. Built-in the 1st century AD, the temple is a great example of Roman architecture.

5. Krka National Park

places to visit in croatia

Krka National Park is a beautiful national park situated along the Krka River in southern Croatia. It was established in 1985 to protect the River Krka.

The park is best known for a series of 7 waterfalls, the most famous being the Skradinski Buk falls.

One of the most interesting sights in Krka is Visovac Monastery. It’s a Catholic monastery built on a tiny island of Visovac. The monastery was founded by Franciscans in 1445. 

The best way to see the beautiful sights of the Krka National Park is with a boat excursion. Boats leave from Skradin which is the gateway to Krka National Park.

6. Hvar island

hvar island croatia

Hvar is a historic island located not far from Split. It boasts well preserved historic town and contemporary nightlife.

In Hvar, you’ll find quiet villages as well as lively and trendy bars that contrast with Renaissance architecture.

Hvar town is known for its party scene, but Stari Grad and Jelsa are perfect for those who seek peace and quiet.

As Stari Grad and Jelsa are quiet places with lots of local flavors, these towns are perfect for families and senior travelers.

7. Trogir

croatia seaside

Trogir is one of the jewels of Croatia. It has a well-preserved old town with a mix of Renaissance, baroque and Romanesque buildings.

With its many splendid monuments and stone-paved squares and streets, it is one of the most picturesque towns in Croatia.

Historic center of Trogir dates back to the Hellenistic period and is an excellent example of a medieval town. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The town has several beautiful beaches, but it is its architecture that makes Trogir so fascinating.

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Croatia travel tips

  1. If you are visiting Croatia during July and August, expect crowds and queues, as it’s the peak season.
  2. Consider visiting during the shoulder season when Croatia receives fewer crowds. The best months for a quieter holiday are May, June, and September. 
  3. If you plan to travel to Croatia in the summer months, book accommodation well in advance. Summer is the most popular time to visit the country, and hotels fill up quickly.
  4. If you want to travel to Croatia during the off-season, remember that many businesses along the coast will be closed then. But it’s a good time to visit Croatia’s non-beachy destinations!
  5. The connection between the mainland and the islands is excellent. Ferries run frequently in the high season, but they are less frequent in autumn and winter.
  6. Croatia has an extensive bus network, but the rail network is small. The trains only cover part of the country.
  7. People falsely assume that Croatia is very cheap. But, unfortunately, it is not the case.
  8. They don’t use Euro in Croatia. Croatia has its own currency called Croatian Kuna (HRK).

 

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